Being in a new environment is exciting, invigorating, and can be an unforgettable experience. But it also comes with its risks; whereas in the US you might know what situations and people to avoid, that might not be quite as clear for you in your host country.

The point of this blog post is not to scare you. The point is to remind you that in all your excitement you should still have your head about you, while not being excessively paranoid.

When you're done with that page, go to this State Department page and select your host country from the drop-down menu. Click 'Go' and you'll find information specific to your country. Start reading from "Threats to Safety and Security." It's important to read this stuff. For example, I just found out that by law, everyone in Belgium has to have an ID with them at all times. And now I learned that in Argentina drivers often ignore traffic laws and drive too fast. Best to learn this stuff the easy way, not the hard way...